Marsh Harrier V Short Eared Owl

Several times over the last few weeks I have seen this female Marsh Harrier working around ponds and rough ground on the west Cornwall high ground.

Today it changed tack and decided to do some low slow flying over a rough grass field that was already the disputed territory of three quartering Short Eared Owls.

As can be seen in my next blog the three Owls were already involved in daily disputes with each other over this field and a Marsh Harrier hunting into the same field was a No-No!

All three Owls harassed the Harrier whilst being careful to avoid direct contact until the bird gave way and returned to hunting back over rough ground.

The Marsh Harrier was last seen gracefully ' Hover Hunting  ' over hedgerows higher up the heathlands and  it was a real treat to witness this perhaps unwelcome interaction  with the Owls!!